Mumbai practically runs on its local trains and it was huge for Mumbaikaars when AC locals were announced. The first AC local ran from Borivali to Churchgate at 10:32 AM yesterday.
First AC Local ran on its maiden run today from Borivali on 25th December, 2017 among cheers from the public. A long cherished dream come true! Suburban services have witnessed a dawn of new era of cool comfort pic.twitter.com/hkZKwRVjUh
— Western Railway (@WesternRly) December 25, 2017
The train reached the Churchgate station at 11:16 AM, however, many people were left disappointed due to the sky-high fares.
The fare for a single journey in the AC local from Borivali to Churchgate (34 km) is ₹165. In non-AC trains, the fare is ₹15 for second class and ₹140 for first class.
First AC train inaugurated in Mumbai 1) They have got the pricing wrong…it should be below what one would pay for shared Ola/uber ride.2) Why treat it as a luxury?3) Isn’t the right of each Mumbaikar? 4) Railways should make each local train AC in a planned manner pic.twitter.com/u7KBl05fFg
— Rajesh Sawhney (@rajeshsawhney) December 26, 2017
If metro rail from Versova to Ghatkopar is 11.5 km and the fare is Rs 40, Built with private and public partnership.Why #MumbaiACLocal managed by the government. For 10 km, the ticket rate is Rs 65 plus? Being a government service, it should be cheaper than the metro
— Madhusudan Thakkar (@madhusudan41) December 26, 2017
Looking at the Mumbai AC locals fare, is it really for the locals?!#mumbaiaclocal
— Nilima Parmar (@nilima_blue) December 25, 2017
@WesternRly Who will use ac locals when they r so expensive? Min 60 rs.. Haha.. Money wasted #mumbaiaclocal #EpicFail
— Shraddha Sheth (@Shraddha_Sheth) December 25, 2017
There is a lot of confusion regarding the working of locals from now on.
First Take (Cons) on #MumbaiACLocal:1. Confusion if regular first class pass is allowed during initial runs2. Announcements not audible due to AC noise3. Less Luggage Space4. Regular Checks and control over unauthorized travellers still a challenge.
— मंदार अभ्यंकर 🇮🇳 (@radnam) December 25, 2017
Is the 1st class pass valid for AC local for now? Will the passes for both be different in the future or if you buy for AC local, it’ll be valid for 1st class? #mumbai #westernrailway
— Mehul Ved (@mehulved) December 26, 2017
And some genuine concerns were raised.
So who will be the 1st one to litter the #MumbaiAClocal
— Amit Malvekar (@Malvekar1) December 26, 2017
Hope ppl maintain it n mot destroy it with handbills n graffiti
— BSS (@DGTLSan) December 25, 2017
For now #mumbaiaclocal seems to be over-hyped. Inappropriate timings, pathetic frequency & insufficient stopovers. And for every 5 days of operations, they need 2 days of maintenance. In short #WTF
— Boy Plunger (@boyplunger1978) December 25, 2017
One user did a detailed review on the condition of the AC locals and we don’t know what to think:
Quick Review of the AC local:
1. No announcement of the doors closing at station but just a random beeping sound2. Hot and cold areas in same train3. No physical separation for Ladies or handicapped coaches due to vestibules4. Announcements lil different from regular EMUs 1/n— Prathamesh (@patkini) December 25, 2017
5. @WesternRly unable to enforce ticketless travel, at least on day 16. Leisurely halt at all stations followed by departure after some 10 secs post door closure7. Blowers are closed when doors open at some stations8. Ride quality is top notch with minimal jerks n noise
— Prathamesh (@patkini) December 25, 2017
Some more..9. WR should have added FC quality cushioned seats as compared the current seats similar to the BT rakes in 2nd class10. Leg room is just fabulous, whereby ppl can comfortably stand in between seats11. Unlike metro, no announcement on which side the door will open
— Prathamesh (@patkini) December 25, 2017
Some more..
12. Need to ensure people do not crowd near vestibules to prevent people from getting hurt as they move over points13. Huge windows may need grills to protect from “stone throwing” incidents14. Need metro style ladies compt seperators— Prathamesh (@patkini) December 26, 2017
The train will not operate on Saturdays and Sundays as it requires maintenance.
